HIV prevention, continued care and eradicating discrimination remain critical to tackle the ongoing global public health crisis, says EESC

The European Economic and Social Committee is backing the efforts of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU to put the goal of eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination by 2030 high on the EU agenda.

In an opinion adopted at its plenary session in June, the EESC said it agreed that European institutions should issue a high-level declaration on ending the stigma and discrimination against people infected with HIV, which should be presented to the European Parliament on 1 December 2023.

The EESC also called for a more ambitious new target for preventing and controlling the spread of the HIV infection, aiming for coverage levels as high as 95% for testing, treatment, and virological suppression across all nations.

"We are now trying to understand the situation with HIV after a gap of more than a decade. The issue has been neglected for too long," said rapporteur of the opinion Pietro Barbieri. "What we need is the greatest possible commitment, we need to work together with communities, doctors, schools and in the workplace."

It is important to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with HIV in the workplace, including flexible hours and extended leave. Awareness campaigns, training, and information dissemination in schools, civil society, and youth organisations are essential to combat stigma and discrimination.

"Despite the decline in the number of HIV diagnoses, we must not let our guard down. In order to control the spread of infection, early diagnosis, early start of treatment and continuity in care are essential," said co-rapporteur of the opinion, Nicoletta Merlo.

HIV continues to be a major public health issue all over the world, still affecting more than 36 million people, of which 2.3 million live in the WHO European Region. Eastern regions of the European continent are particularly affected, with Ukraine having the second-largest AIDS epidemic in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.

HIV primarily affects marginalised groups such as drug users, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, migrants, and prisoners. Stigma and fear deter individuals from seeking services, resulting in delayed testing and diagnoses, with over 50% occurring at an advanced stage. This increases transmission risk and preventable deaths, especially in areas lacking adequate AIDS treatment.

Comprehensive strategies integrating care and prevention, along with innovative testing methods like rapid and self-testing, are crucial to combat the epidemic. (ll)